Outlines – Are they the only way?
One of my dear readers asked if I use an outline when developing a manuscript. And the answer is no. When I first started writing The Buzz I let the story flow and I’m actually writing my current novel Rules of the Game the same way.
I know who my characters are way in advance of writing about them. I know how they act, the types of people they hang around and the situations they’d find themselves in.
I write chapter to chapter and sometimes even I am amazed by how things unfold.
I will say…although I don’t write an outline per say, I sometimes jot down ideas in my Blackberry. Do I use every idea? No. But on those days where creatively I’m blocked, I will look at those ideas and see if it sparks anything.
My author however, writes her non-fiction to chapter titles. Meaning, she outlines all of her chapters and then fills in the gap. For her, this makes the process easier.
There is no right or wrong way to do it. Do what feels most comfortable for you!
Do you use an outline? If you don’t, do you think it hinders the progression of your writing? Please share in the comment section below.
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